Millennium Park Pavilions by Zaha Hadid and Ben van Berkel
The designs for two temporary pavilions that will be installed this June in Chicago’s Millennium Park have been unveiled.
Both pavilions — one designed by London-based Zaha Hadid and the other by Amsterdam-based Ben van Berkel of UNStudio — emphasize the importance of boldly imagining a better future for all, as Daniel Burnham and Edward Bennett did in 1909 in their Plan of Chicago.
Hadid’s curvilinear form uses state-of-the-art fabric technologies. The tent-like structure can be dismantled and re-installed elsewhere after the Centennial. Van Berkel’s floating roof offers surprising views of the Chicago skyline. This pavilion will be de-constructed and recycled.
For more information about the Pavilions, and schedule of events, visit: www.burnhamplan100.org
The Zaha Hadid Pavilion:
The Ben van Berkel Pavilion:
A-ionic on 09 Apr 2009 at 11:32 pm #
I like Ben van Berkel’s work better. Zaha’s too futuristic for me.
Will Matias on 09 Apr 2009 at 11:39 pm #
can you imagine the hoards of tourists that will gather around those pavilions in order to take pictures? i know i will! hahaha amazing
Rosie on 09 Apr 2009 at 11:40 pm #
I don’t understand the point of them?? The second picture just looks like a big thing in the way of the footpath.
Jon Banderson on 10 Apr 2009 at 7:03 am #
They’re supposed to be futuristic to inspire people to keep planning for the future.
I think they’re both excellent.
Rudy on 11 Apr 2009 at 2:30 am #
I prefer the second one. Ben van Berkel’s pavillion is seeking to blur boundaries while maintaining the contrast between curves and straight lines.
zachary on 11 Apr 2009 at 8:29 am #
i love the park the way it is. it already bears the mark of several wonderful architects. i don’t think it needs to become saturated with even more. allow the original architects and artists to have their success for a while more before others try to jump on the band wagon.
Kelley Brookline on 11 Apr 2009 at 8:44 am #
Zachary, the pavilions are only temporary.
Alex on 13 Apr 2009 at 8:01 pm #
Ben van Berkel’s better…much better. simply….and why temporary?…this kind of work diserve to live more…that’s suck!
Kelley Brookline on 13 Apr 2009 at 8:10 pm #
It’s not a contest between the two.
anon on 06 May 2009 at 12:47 am #
At least Zaha’s is realistic, it can be made simply and is reusable. Ben van Berkel’s is totally impractical tobuild, and the idea that it will be “recycled” is a politically correct way of saying *most* of it will be thrown away, because they make their crap out of fiberglass which is toxic and non-recyclable.
It’s a horrible example in a time where we need to focus on sustainability.